Friday, February 25, 2011

Com. P. Rajeev, Member Parliament and also Standing Committee Member of Communication & I.T. has raised the issue of mass scale closure of posts offices with Sh. Sachin Pilot, State Minister for Communication and I.T. on 25.02.2011. Minister has agreed to intervene.

Postal JCA is also proposing to conduct immediate agitational programmes culminating to indefinite strike in the event of non drop of unilateral mass closure move of post offices.

NEW DELHI: A “Workers' March to Parliament” in the Capital on Wednesday saw a heavy turnout of workers of various central trade unions protesting against price rise, unemployment, labour law violations and disinvestment.

The participating organisations included the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, the Indian National Trade Union Congress, the All-India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), the Hind Mazdoor Sabha, the All-India United Trade Union Centre (AIUTUC), the Trade Union Coordination Centre, the All-India Central Council of Trade Unions and the United Trade Union Congress. Addressing the gathering on Parliament Street, AITUC general secretary Gurudas Dasgupta said: “We have come here to ask the government to have a stronger labour policy, to stop disinvestment of public sector units and to address corruption and the issue of unemployment. This is the first time after Independence that the Left and non-Left trade unions have come together for the cause of the people.”

Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Brinda Karat and Communist Party of India leader D. Raja were present.

The president of the Congress-affiliated INTUC, G. Sanjeeva Reddy, said the trade union was participating in the rally because of price rise and unemployment. “The situation is bad. Disinvestment in factories has thrown people out of jobs. We have raised our voice against the laws that are against labourers.” On increasing attacks by the government on the rights of the workers, AIUTUC president Krishna Chakraborty stressed the need to forge working class unity to exert pressure on the Centre to accept the demands put forward by the unions.

Speakers demanded universalisation of social security for unorganised workers. They accused the government of ignoring the needs of the working people and pursuing policies such as deregulation of petroleum prices leading to price rise.

Demands were raised for the prices of essential commodities to be contained through steps such as universal public distribution system and containing speculation in the commodity market.

Enforcement of basic labour laws, employment protection in recession-stricken sectors and creation of jobs by increasing public investment in infrastructure were also emphasised.

Representatives from the unions met Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar and presented a memorandum of demands.

NEW DELHI: The government must increase the personal income tax exemption limit to at least Rs 3 lakh from Rs 1.6 lakh at present in the upcoming Budget for giving relief to taxpayers from high inflation, majority of CEOs surveyed by industry body Assocham has said.

"In view of the unprecedented inflation particularly the food inflation, the government must increase the personal income tax exemption limit from the existing Rs 1.6 lakh to at least Rs 3 lakh to give adequate relief to the larger sections of the society, added the majority of the CEOs," the pre-Budget survey said.

The Budget 2011-12 would be unveiled by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on February 28. At present, income up to Rs 1.6 lakh is exempted from tax for individuals. For women and senior citizens, the limit is Rs 1.9 lakh and Rs 2.4 lakh, respectively.

However, under the the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) Bill which was introduced in Parliament last year, the I-T exemption limit is Rs 2 lakh. The DTC is expected to replace the 50-year old Income Tax Act from April, 2012.

The survey further said that due to continuous elevated inflation and high commodity prices across globe, there is a strong case for continuation of stimulus package so that the growth momentum is not spiked.

It was a pre-Budget expectations survey conducted under the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) with participation from its 1,000 CEOs. Inflation, particularly food inflation, has been a concern for both the government and the common man. For past the few months, food prices are at high levels.

The WPI inflation for December rose to 8.43 per cent, from 7.48 per cent in the previous month. Food inflation, based on wholesale prices, rose to 17.05 per cent for the week ended January 22, on account of escalating vegetable prices, particularly, onions. It was at 15.57 per cent in the previous week.

Around 84 per cent of the CEOs belonging to large, micro, small and medium enterprises polled in the survey held that stimulus package for textiles, gems & jewellery, construction and real estate, cement and steel, among others, should continue for the next fiscal.

Besides, majority of the CEOs also pressed for larger and faster disinvestment in public sector undertakings, proceeds of which should partly be to fund infrastructure augmentation in PPP projects to help India grow and achieve intended growth rate of close to 9 per cent in next 2-3 years.

Kindly refer to this office letter of even number dated 17.5.2010 on the subject mentioned above calling for views/suggestions from circles regarding need for rationalization and consolidation for urban network, road map to be followed and time frame within which the exercise should be completed,. Almost all the Circles have unanimously favoured the need for rationalization.

2. Due to historical reasons, a major portion of urban postal network lies in the inner city areas consisting of single/double handed non delivery Sub Offices which are not in conformity with the distance criteria of location of post offices. The outer and recently developed areas, however, suffer from lack of even the basic postal facilities in most of the towns/cities. There are also requests for providing postal services in various urban agglomerations, SEZ areas, professional colleges etc. which may also be a profitable activity of the Department .However, due to non-availability of resources, the Department is not able to meet such request.

3. While the entire rural network is subsidized, Post Offices in urban areas are expected to be initially self supporting, and should earn profit of at least 5% at the time of the First annual review , to be eligible for further retention. Despite this, as on 31.3.2010,as many as 5531 SOs in urban areas are reported to be incurring losses.

4. Further, as per the prescribed criteria, the minimum distance between two post offices should be 1.5 Km in cities with a population of 2 lakhs and above, and 2 Km in other urban Areas. No two delivery offices should however be closer than 5 Km from each other. Moreover, a delivery post office in urban area should have a minimum of 7 Postman beats. These norms have not been followed in many cases.

5. Our existing urban network consists of 15797 Post Offices comprising mainly of HOs and SOs.Urban expansion of the country is currently estimated to be 77370sq.kms. As per the prevalent distance norms, this area justifies only about 6000 Post Offices in urban area. This analysis suggests that we have 9797 Pos Offices in urban areas that do not conform to the prescribed norms. This situation warrants need for corrective measures.

6. Need for rationalization of urban network was appreciated by the Department as early as in the year 2003 which led to issuing elaborate instructions to Circles vide D.O. letter No. 40-4/2002-Plg dated 6.1.2003 for relocation/merger of single / double handed post offices. Resultantly, 1262 post offices have been merged/relocated throughout the country. It is however felt that the pace of relocation of post offices is not satisfactory and we are losing out on various business opportunities and the people in outer areas of urban settlements are deprived of the postal services. On the other hand, the Government is not allowing us to further expand our network by creation of new posts not only in urban areas but also in rural areas. Successive Plan Periods have witnessed opening of Post Office by redeployment of posts only without any new creation.

7. For rationalization of postal network in urban areas by way of relocation of Post Offices in new areas and creation of bigger Post Offices by merger of single /double handed Post Offices as per stipulated distance and other norms, the Circles should keep the following into consideration:

(i)There are some Post Offices which are loss making due to high rentals e.g. Post Offices at Railway Stations, important bus terminals, airports etc. We may however not relocate them due to their strategic importance, convenience they offer to the people and high number of footfalls they attract.

(ii)While assessing the need for postal facilities we should have close liaison with local bodies like Municipal Corporation/Municipal Committees, Town Area Committees etc. so that we can be aware of their future plans of expansion of cities and we can accordingly formulate our strategies and have a long-term plan for extending our network in such areas. Regular coordination meetings may be prescribed with such bodies at appropriate levels.

(iii)Post Offices which have been covered under Project Arrow/Post Offices functioning in departmental buildings should not be earmarked for relocation. If there are other Post offices in their vicinity the same may be considered for relocation.

(iv)Post Offices paying high rentals, having low volume of transactions and running in losses should be considered for relocation/temporary merger/permanent merger.

(v)Distance from the nearest post office and the business being transacted should be the main criteria for relocation. Merger of Post Offices.

(vi)In addition to relocating post offices from one area to another, we can also create bigger Post Offices, not below the rank of LSG Offices, by merger of several smaller scattered Post Offices. The bigger Post Offices will be well equipped to cater to the latest postal facilities like IMO,eMO,Videsh MO, IMTS etc. These newly created Post Offices will be manned by redeployment of staff/posts from the nearby post offices.

(vii)It may also be considered to reduce the number of delivery Post Offices, which may lead to obviating the need for the nodal delivery system for Speed Post articles as it is not providing to be cost effective. In any case there is a need to strictly follow the norms of the distance of at least 5 KMs between two delivery offices and also that of delivery Post Office in Urban area having a minimum of 7 Postman beats.

(viii)If opening of a post office is justified in an area, but it is not possible to open post office by relocation or under the Plan targets, opening of franchise outlets may be considered for such area.

8. In, view of the above, Circles are requested to take the following action:

(i)Identification of Post Offices which are at lesser distances than that prescribed undernorms. In case, more than one Post Offices are not fulfilling the distance norms, Post Office(s) may be earmarked for relocation on the basis of :

(a)Condition of building

(b)Profitability of Post Office

(c)Business of Post Office

(ii) PMsG/CPMsG will interact with all the stakeholders and convince them that relocation and merger would help in providing postal facilities to public and it is in larger public interest.

(iii) Identity needy urban and rural areas where there is justification for new Post Offices.

(iv) Post Offices once indentified as per (i) above, will be relocated /merged This will outside the Plan targets.

9. Circles are requested to complete the exercise in respect of sub para (i),(ii)and (iii) {of para 8) by 31.03.2011 and in respect of sub para(iv){para 8} by 30.06.2011. Circles are also requested to send monthly progress reports of action taken, to this Directorate(proforma enclosed).

10. Since the need for opening of Post Offices in new locations seems to be ever increasing , Circles are also requested to open Post Offices by redeployment of posts/staff from the existing office(s), by curtailing staff strength of the existing offices even to less than the justified workload of the office/offices. This exercise would, however, be subject to Plan targets set by the Directorate. The powers for redeployment of Group 'C' and 'D' posts have already been vested with the HoCs vide Directorate letter No. 2-2/93-PE-I dated 7thof Sep, 1993.Under no circumstances should the surplus posts be abolished.

Subject:Issue of pensioner CGHS Cards to Central Government servants before retirement

Central Government servants on their retirement from service are entitled to CGHS facility, if they retire from office Ministries/Departments/Offices covered by CGHS. For availing CGHS facility, if eligible, after retirement from service, pensioners are required to fill up the requisite form and deposit the appropriate amount lump sum amount equivalent to one year’s contribution for availing CGHS facility for one year (which can be extended on an annual basis on payment of the appropriate contribution as applicable at the time of renewal) or pay in lump sum equivalent to ten years contribution for availing CGHS facility with life-time validity). The process of issuing of pensioner CGHS cards starts only after the Government servant retires from service and only after the Pension Pay Order (PPO) and Last pay Certificate (LPC) are issued by the Ministry/Department/Office. The completion of the formalities takes two to three months, which puts pensioners in a problematic condition for getting treatment from the date on which they retire from service and the time when a pensioner CGHS card is issued to them.

2. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has received representations from retired Central Government servants and from officials due for retirement within the next few months with the request that the policy regarding issue of pensioner CGHS cards be simplified so that they are in a position to get the pensioner CGHS card a day after their retirement from service.

3.The matter has been examined by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in consultation with CGHS and it has been decided that the following course of action will be taken in respect of officials who are entitled to avail CGHS facility after his/her retirement from Government service:

(i)All Ministries/Department will, alongwith pension papers, give the application for issue of pensioner CGHS cards to the official three months before the due date for retirement of the official;

b.Affix stamp sized photographs of the family members entitled to avail CGHS facility in the proforma for issue of pensioner’s card;

c.Enclose Demand Draft/Pay Orders for the appropriate amount with reference to his/her decision to get CGHS card with life-time validity (the amount will be equal to ten years contribution) or with validity for one year (the amount will be equal to one year’s contribution). For obtaining the card in Delhi, the Demand Draft/Pay Order will have to be made payable to “Pay & Accounts Officer (CGHS), payable at Delhi” and for obtaining card in a CGHS city outside Delhi, the Demand Draft/Pay Order will have to be made payable to “Additional Directorate or Joint Director (as the case may be) of the CGHS city, payable in that city”

(iii)The Ministry/Department will add a certificate of pay, grade pay, etc drawn by the applicant to the application form and also mention the entitlement of ward (Private ward/Semi-Private Ward/General Ward) at the time of retirement of the official;

(iv)The Ministry/Department will forward the application complete in all respects to the Additional Director in the concerned CGHS city after verifying the particulars furnished by the applicant six weeks before the date of retirement of the official;

(v)CGHS pensioner cell in the concerned CGHS city will initiate action to get the pensioner card prepared;

(vi)The validity of the pensioner card will start from a date after the last day of service of the officials;

(vii)If the beneficiary, while in service, has been issued plastic card, then the beneficiary identification number (Ben ID No.) will not be changed at the time of preparation of pensioner card and the same Ben ID number will be carried forward in the pensioner card;

(viii)The pensioner card will be handed over to the retired official only after the date o superannuation/retirement from service; and

(ix)Before the Pensioner CGHS card is issued to the beneficiary, the plastic CGHS cards issued to all the members of the family will be surrendered.

4. All Ministries/Departments are requested to give wide publicity to the contents of these instructions.

The Department of Posts has decided to improve the Look and Feel of its post offices through Project Arrow. The project has been launched with the objective of modernising departmental post offices across the country in a phased manner with an aim to make visible, tangible and noteworthy difference in post office operations. It aims at comprehensive improvement of the core operations of the post office as well as the ambience in which postal transactions are undertaken.

The IT Modernization Project Phase II of India Post under XIth plan envisages computerization of all the non-computerized Post Offices in the country (Departmental single handed Post Offices) and all Extra departmental Post Offices phased over the financial years 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13.

The Department has diversified its activities to utilise its network by introducing services like selling of passport forms in identified post offices, accepting of utilities bills in the post offices, providing railway reservation facilities etc.

The Department has also tied-up with various Government departments to provide social security services especially in rural areas and with financial institutions to sell their product through post offices like :

2. Para 2 (ii) of this Directorate letter dated 14th July 2009 provided that the vacant posts of GDs in branch offices with two or more hands may be filled up on the basis of triennial review already carried out and in case the prescribed workload and financial parameters as prescribed for opening of a branch office are not fulfilled but the posts are required to be filled up for operational reasons then the approval of the Chief PMG will be required with concurrence of circle IFA. It was also provided in Para 2(i) of the said communication, that GDS vacant posts in BOs with a single establishment be filled up straight away and the permission was granted to the concerned Divisional head.

3. The above provisions were further reviewed and modified. It was prescribed vide this Directorate letter dated 29 Dec 2010 that the vacant posts of GD BPM may be filled up by adjusting the surplus GDS fulfilling the prescribed qualification and other prescribed conditions failing which action may be taken in advance to fill the vacant post of GDs BPM on a regular basis following the prescribed procedure and following other conditions prescribed under letter dated 4 Jul 2009.

4. Despite issue of above instructions, it has been brought to the notice of this office, that, the Posts of Branch Postmasters are not being filled up immediately, and they are allowed to be managed by additional charge or kept under combined duties, affecting the quality of service. The issue has been considered and competent Authority has decided that the vacant post of GDs BPMs, in Branch offices (irrespective of the number borne on establishment) be filled up by Head of the Division without reference to HOC immediately after its falling vacant initiating action in advance by adopting the following methods: -

(ii)By combination of the duties of GDS in the same BO, provide the combined work load does not exceed five hours: failing which

(iii)By recruitment of outsiders by observing the selection process.

However, the approval of the Head of the Circle shall continue to be obtained for filling up of other categories of GDS which are not justified by workload/financial parameter, but the post is to be filled dup for operational reasons.

4. These orders shall come into effect from the date of issue of the order. This issues with the approval of competent authority.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

New Delhi: Six weeks or so from now, civil servants in Central ministries and departments that signed on to the Results Framework Document (RFD), initiated by the Cabinet Secretariat, will, for the first time, begin receiving performance-related incentives, government sources indicated. These annual performance-related incentives will, of course, depend on whether the concerned civil servants have scored well over 70 per cent in the evaluation scheme, and there could be as much as 40 per cent increase of the basic pay for the top scorers, it is learnt. However, the payments will not require any additional financial allocations as they will come out of the savings made by the ministry or department itself.

When the scheme starts rolling later this year, it will be 22 years after the Fourth Pay Commission first made such a promise. The reason why it was not possible to implement this before, government sources said, was because there was no way to measure performance before the RFD scheme was designed. The RFD initially met with a great deal of resistance from the civil service as it would entail listing goals, then working towards achieving them and at the end of the year quantifying how those goals had been achieved through a weighted system evolved by the ministry or department concerned. Finally, the secretary of that department will have to justify the evaluation before a panel of experts before it is finalised.

Interestingly, when the government launches the scheme in the coming financial year, officials of some key ministries will be excluded from the possible benefits, because they have not as yet signed on to the RFD. These include the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministries of Finance, Home, Defence and External Affairs, among others. Government sources said they hoped that once the incentives began to be paid, these ministries and departments too would sign up.

The RFD's objective is to improve governance, increase efficiency, transparency and accountability — especially the last two, given the spate of financial scandals in the government recently — and the Performance Management Division of the Cabinet Secretariat will write to all ministries and departments to list three potential areas of corruption in the schemes they implement or areas they work in, as well as identify the discretionary powers that are enjoyed by the Minister or secretary concerned.

Sub: Postmaster cadre Postal Wing-Eligibility of Official deputed to Army Postal Service (APS)

Sir,

I am directed to refer to your office letter No. 90491/2/APS 1 C, dated 23.12.2010 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the objective behind creation of Postmaster Cadres is that the key post offices in the country should be headed by professional managers so as to improve the functioning of the Post Offices, meet the present day requirement of specialization in Postal operation, respond to market challenges and increase the productivity. As per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules (Copy enclosed) ,initial constitution of the various Grades of Postmasters shall be done by inviting options/applications from the existing incumbents of LSG,HSG-II,HSG-I in Post Offices and PS Gr. 'B' and subsequent years ,all the vacancies in Postmaster Grade I and 75% vacancies of Senior Postmaster shall be filled up through a Limited Departmental Competitive Examination.

2. In case an official deputed to Army Postal Service (APS), gives his option to his respective Circle for appointment as Postmaster at the time of initial constitution of Postmaster Cadre, a declaration/undertaking may be obtained from him to the effect that in the event of his selection he will revert from deputation in APS in order to be appointed in the respective Postmaster Grades. Unless he reports back to the Circle on his selection, he will not be appointed as Postmaster. In so far as Departmental Examination for the post of Postmaster Grade-I and Senior Postmaster also, eligible officials will have to furnish declaration/undertaking at the time of submission of application for the examination to the effect that they will revert from the deputation with APS in the event of their selection in the examination. On their selection, they will have to report back to the respective Circles beforethey are appointed as Postmaster.

I am directed to refer to the Directorate's letter of even number dt. 22nd November, 2010, on the above subject and to say that it is gathered from various references received from the Circles and Service Associations that many Circles have not been convening DPC meetings year-wise for promotion to LSG and HSG-II. The same is likely to go against the interest of such officials who have not been given timely promotion thereby, depriving them an opportunity to apply for appointment in the equivalent grade in the Postmaster cadre under initial constitution clause. It might. have also resulted in poor response from the officials for appointment in the Postmaster cadre under the said clause in view of vacancies lying vacant in Selection Grade.

2. As you are aware that after constituting the Postmaster cadre .under initial constitution clause, subsequently all vacancies in Postmaster Grade II and III will have to be filled by promotion of Postmaster Grade I and II respectively and 25% of the vacancies of Senior Postmaster by promotion of Postmaster Grade III. Since the cadre of Senior Postmaster is an all India cadre a consolidated gradation list of Postmaster Grade III will have to be drawn for the purpose as is done in respect of Inspectors of Posts. Thus it may be noted that any delay in holding the DPC meeting for promotion to LSG and HSG-II will have far reaching affect on those officials who do not get timely promotion resulting in their depressed seniority with reference to their counter parts in such Circles where year wise DPCs have been convened timely.

3. As per the letter under reference the Circles were advised to issue the circular calling for the applications from willing officials for appointment in the Postmaster cadre under initial constitution clause and submit the papers to the Screening Committee by 10.02.2011. But in the given circumstances it has been decided to extend the Time-Line already communicated to the Circles. The Circles are advised to assess all the vacancies, which can be filled up by promotion in LSG and HSG-II. As the tenure of ad-hoc promotions in HSG-I is being extended since many years from time to time against regular vacancies on account of administrative reasons with the approval of DOPT, it may not be desirable to fill up the chain vacancies also by ad-hoc promotion of eligible officers as these are long term vacancies and such ad-hoc arrangement for long period may not be able to stand the test in the court of Law. Therefore such vacancies in LSG and HSG-Ii may also filled up on regular basis. The Circles may convene the DPC meetings for year-wise vacancies for promotion to LSG and HSG-II and finalise the said exercise by 28.02.2011. Thereafter the Circle may give yet another opportunity to the official to furnish their options/submit their applications for consideration for appointment as Postmaster Grade I and Ii and issue the appointment orders of the officials in various grades of Postmaster by 29.04.2011 positively. In the meantime the Circles may furnish the number of applications, which have already been received from eligible LSG and HSG-II officials for appointment as Postmaster Grade-I and II respectively under initial constitution clause for information of the Directorate by 20.02.2011 in the enclosed proforma.

4. Further the Directorate is aware that there are very few persons holding the post in HSG-I on regular basis. Thus sufficient number of official would perhaps not become available to fill up the posts in Postmaster Grade III under initial constitution clause. The Circles are requested to immediately furnish the number of eligible officials who have opted for appointment as Postmaster Grade III along with the comments of CPMG if any, latest by 20.02.2011 in the enclosed proforma, to enable the Directorate to review the position and take appropriate decision in the matter. Pending the same they are advised not to proceed further in filling up the posts in Postmaster Grade III under initial constitution clause.

5. Another reason for limited response for the various Grades of Postmaster could be that the officials might have noted that minimum qualifying service prescribed for promotion from Postmaster Grade-I to Grade –II and Grade –II to Grade-III is more than that provided in the existed Recruitment Rules of HSG-II and HSG-I. In this regard it is stated that the qualifying service for promotion in various Grades of Postmaster has been prescribed in the Recruitment Rules as per the DOPT instructions on the subject. The existing Recruitment Rules of HSG-II and HSG-I are also under revision on the same lines. It would result in providing same qualifying service even for promotion to HSG-Ii and HSG-I as laid down for promotion to Postmaster Grade II and Grade-III respectively.

6. Therefore, as advised vide paragraph 3 above, the Circles while inviting applications once again for the posts of Postmater Grade-I and Grade-II may call for applications for postmaster Grade-III also. While issuing the Circular the fact mentioned in the above paragraph 5 above may be brought to the notice of all concerned by highlighting the same in the Circular. It may however be made clear to the officials that those who have already submitted applications need not apply again as the applications already submitted shall also be considered along with fresh applications so received.

7. As soon as fresh applications are received the Circles may once again furnish the consolidated figures including the applications received earlier in the same proforma enclosed herewith.

Yours faithfully,

Sd/-

(Salim Haque)

Deputy Director General (P)

Tel. No. 23096093

NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM ELIGIBLE OFFICIAL

Name of the Circle ……………………………………………………

SL. No.

No. of eligible applicants possessing``

LSG*

HSG-II**

HSG-I***

Remarks

1

6 years of more of regular service in the Grade.

2

5 years but less than 6 years of regular service in the Grade

3

4 years but less than 5 years of regular service in the Grade

4

3 years but less than 4 years of regular service in the Grade

5

Less than 3 years of regular service in the Grade.

TOTAL

`` As on initial closing date for the information asked for vide paragraph 3 and later on for consolidated figures as asked for vide paragraph 7 as on closing date of circular to be issued again.

I am directed to refer to Directorate's letter of even number dated 22.11.2010 forwarding therewith copy of Recruitment Rules, namely, Department of Posts, Senior Postmaster (Group B Gazetted), Postmaster (Grade-'III and 11'- Group B non-gazetted) and Postmaster (Grade I-Group C non-Gazetted) Recruitment Rules, 2010, dated 9th September, 2010 which was followed by letter of even number dated 7/8.02.2011.

2. A number of Circles have sought clarifications relating to the Postmaster Cadre and other connected issues. The points are clarified as under:

S. No.

Points raised

Clarification

1

Promotion to LSG cadre was being ordered at Circle Office level by holding DPC and allotment was being made to divisions/regions. The transfer liability after promotion was within the division. Now that a few posts in LSG in each division are being identified as Postmaster Grade-I whether the officials are liable for transfer anywhere in the Circle at the stage of initial appointment as well as on completion of tenure.

Postmaster Grade-I cadre has been created by carving out a certain number of LSG Sub Post Offices (SOs) posts from the existing LSG (General line) cadre, which is a Circle cadre as per Directorate’s order No. 13-2/2010-PE.I, dated 25.11.2010. As per the order, CPMsG of the Circles are required to identify the SOs and appoint Postmaster Grade-I in those SOs as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules. Postmaster Grade-I being a circle cadre, transfer liability of officials appointed against the post of Postmaster Grade-I is limited to only against the identified SOs. However, movement of personnel in Postmaster Grade-I to the extent possible may be within the Divisions.

2.

Two years probation is prescribed forPostmasters Grade IIand Grade 11.1Whether the officialsare liable to be sentback to General line if the performance isnot found to be 01the required standard? In thatcase how theirseniority has to befixed in LSG, HSG.IIor HSG.I cadres?

During the initial constitution 01 the cadre, the posts of Postmaster Grade-I and Grade-II are ·required to be filled up by inviting applications from the eligible officials in LSG and HSG.II,respectively. After appointment of eligible officials, they will be on probation for a periodof two years. A probationer who is not makingsatisfactory progress or who shows himself tobe inadequate for the service in any wayshould be informed of his shortcomings by theappointing authority well before the expiry ofthe original probationary period so that he can Imake special efforts at self-improvement. TheDPC should decide whether the probationershould be declared to have completed the probation satisfactorily. If the performance ofany probationer is not satisfactory, the DPCmay advise whether the period of probationshould be extended or whether he should bedischarged from post. Probation should not beextended for more than a year and noemployee should be kept on probation formore than double the normal period. In case. Itis decided to discharge the probationer fromPostmaster Grade-I and Grade-II, the officialwill be reverted to General line. In the event ofreversion to parent cadre, within the specified Iextended period of probation, such officials areentitled to the original seniority in the gradelpost from which they proceeded to PostmasterCadre I & II.

In so far as those officials appointed to Postmaster Grade-I and Grade-II, as per theprovision contained in col.12 of the relevantRecruitment Rules, if the performance of any probationer is not satisfactory, the Officials will be reverted to the feeder cadre. Such officialswould be entitled to the original seniority in theqrade/ post from where they were promoted.

3

II the incumbent in any Postmaster cadre holding the post goes on leave or retires, whether a general line official can officiate against that post.

As regards filling up of vacancies due to retirement of staff, such anticipated vacancies should be filled up in normal course on regular basis as per the Recruitment Rules.

As regards filling up of leave vacanciesl adhoc vacancies of more than 45 days in Postmaster Grades, the procedures prescribed in the Directorate letter No.137 / 99 / 2009 – SPB . II" dated 23.12. 2009 may be followed.

4

If more number of officials opt remain in general line, how the surplus officials have to be adjusted.

Directorate's order NO.13-2/2010- PE.I, dated 25.11.2010 may be referred to in this regard. As per the order, the posts will be deemed to have been designated as Postmaster Grade-I, Postmaster Gr.II and Postmaster Gr.111 w.e.f. the dates those are filled up. Thus, if for certain number of posts, the General line officials do not apply, those SOsl HOs would continue to be manned by General line officials till the posts are filled up by promotion from the lower grade of Postmasters as per paragraph 8 of Directorate's letter of even number dated 22.11.2010.

5

For initial appointment against Postmaster Grade-III, it is mentioned in the Recruitment Rules that officials holding the posts of HSG.I on regular basis in the PB-2 of RS.9300- ad34800/- + GP Rs.4600/- shall be given option. But some of theregular HSG.II officials are officiating in HSG.I cadre on adhoc basis in accordance with Directorate's letter No.4- 16/2002-SPB.1I dated 20.11.2006 and 4-16/2002- SPB.II, dated 01.05.2009 The arrangement is being continued since 3 years on the orders of the Directorate on gelling the approval of DOPT once in 6 months. It may be clarified as to whether such officials are eligible for appointment againstPostmaster Grade-III or theyare eligible for PostmasterGrade-II only.

As per the initial constitution Clause of Postmaster Grade-III, only regular HSG.I (General line) officials are eligible to opt for appointment in the Postmaster Grade-III. Those who are holding the post of HSG.I on ad-hoc basis are not eligible to opt for appointment as Postmaster Grade III. They are eligible to apply for the post of Postmaster Grade-II only. Similarly, those who are holding the post of HSG.II on ad-hoc basis are eligible to apply for the post of Postmaster Grade-I.

In this context, the Directorate's letter of even number dated 7/8.02.2011 may also be referred to.

6

Whether the officials though working in lower cadres but drawing higher Grade Pay in the prescribed PB because of MACPS are eligible for Postmaster Grade I, II and III W.r.t. their grade pay or w.r.t cadre (LSG/HSG.IIIHSG.I)

Appointments to the Postmaster Grade-l, II and III are to be made only as per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules, which inter-alia prescribe only regular service in LSG, HSG.II & HSG.I respectively to become eligible to apply.

7

In the Directorate letter, nothing is mentioned about eligibility of officials working as APM (Accounts). It may be clarified as to whether officials working as APM (Accounts) are eligible for appointment as Postmaster Grade-lor only General line Ls&l5ffiCfars are eligible since cadre is formed carving out only general line posts.

An official appointed as APM (Accounts) on regular basis is not eligible for appointment in Postmaster Cadres.

8

Sanctioned strength of Postmaster Grade-I, II and III has been communicated vide Directorate's letter No.13- 2 / 2010-PE.I,dated 25.11.2010, by carving out certain percentage of General line LSGI HSG.1I1 HSG.I posts of Postal Wing. Whether the sanctioned strength indicated against the Circles is with reference to percentage of General line cadres in respect of individual Circles?

The percentage of the posts identified for Postmaster cadre was with reference to the total number of posts as a whole for the Department and not of individual Circles. Out of that number, the allocation of posts of Postmaster in Gr.l, II and III as communicated vide Dte Ir No. 132/ 2010-PE.I, dated 25.11 .2010 has been made keeping in view mainly the viability of the Postmaster cadre in each Circle.

9

All the officials now working in HSG.III HSG.I are on Circle adhoc-basis. As per Gazette notification, only regular HSG.1I1 HSG.I officials can exercise options for Postmaster cadre. This is not found feasible. Since

sufficient number of regular HSG.1I1 HSG.I officials is not available in the Circle to fill up Postmaster Grade-II and Grade-III, it is presumed that officials promoted to HSG.II and HSG.I cadres on adhoc basis and are working in the said cadres since 2007 are also eligible for exercising option for the Postmaster Grade-II and Postmaster Grade-III.

The presumption is not correct. Clarification NO.5 may be referred to in this regard.

10

Posts identified by the Circles for Postmaster Grade-III includes certain number of posts from HSG.I posts in General line and Asstt. Supdt. of Posts of Inspectors of Posts (IP) line. This may result in loss of promotional avenues for IP line officials.

HSG.I is classified as Gr. B (non-Gazetted) whereas ASPOs cadre is conferred with Gazetted Group 'B' status. Moreover according to the policy of Government, a cadre cannot have multiple channels of promotional avenues. As such, the Recruitment Rules of HSG.I in Post Offices which have since become redundant are being reviewed and till such time the Recruitment Rules are notified, no OPC meeting should be held for HSG.1.

11

As per the notification, no probation is prescribed for officials to beappointed as Senior Postmaster andPostmaster Grade-III. However, forPostmaster Grade-II and PostmasterGrade-l, two year probation isprescribed. It may be confirmedwhether officials to be appointed asSenior Postmaster and PostmasterGrade-III have to undergo the period of probation or not.

As per the provisions of the Recruitment Rules, the official on their appointment as Senior Postmaster and Postmaster Grade-III are not required to undergo the period of probation.

12

As per the notification, initial constitution of Sr. Postmaster is tobe done by collecting option fromexisting PS Group B officers. As it isan All India cadre, it is to be clarifiedwhether option will be obtained fromall PS Group B officers as per AllIndia Gradation list?

As it is an All India cadre, necessary action is being initiated by the Staff Branch in the Directorate in this regard.

13

Subsequent promotion to Sr. Postmaster Grade is by 25% promotion from Postmaster Grade.111 with 2 year regular service. As gazette notification has already been issued, it is not clear regarding filling up of existing vacancies in the cadre of Senior Postmaster and anticipated vacancies in the next 2 years as it will take at least 2 years for the newly promoted Postmaster Grade III to become eligible for promotion as Senior Postmaster.

Clarification NO.12 may be referred to. Moreover, after initial constitution, 25% of posts in Senior Postmaster will be filled up by promotion of Postmaster Grade-III with 2 years of regular service in the grade including regular service in HSG.I, if any.

14

It is not prescribed in the notification that the constitution of DPC should include one SC/ST member. This is to be specified.

As per the standing instructions on the subject, if none of the officers in the DPC as per the composition belongs to SC/ST, a member belonging to SC/ST available within the Department or from another Ministry! Department may be co-opted as a Member of the DPC.

15

It is to be made clear whether for Postmaster Grade I, II and III except Senior Postmaster cadre, reservation roster is to be maintained by the Circles.

The Directorate vide letter NO.13710/ 97-SPB.II, dated 20.5.1998 had circulated the instructions contained in O.M. NO.36012/2!96-Estt. (Res), dated 2.7.1997 of DOPT regarding preparation and operation of post based roster wherein it has been clearly stated in para 4 (c) that Cadre, for the purpose of a roster, shall mean a particular grade and shall comprise the number of posts to be filled by a particular mode of recruitment in terms of the applicable recruitment rules.

In the case of Postmaster Cadres, appointment is to be made either bypromotion or through Departmentalexamination and as such separaterosters for each mode of promotion will have to be maintained and operated.

In the case of initial constitution of cadre, the posts may be deemed to have been filled up by transfer. Reservation do not apply to posts filled by transfer. However, while selecting persons for such post (s) to be filled by transfer, Screening Committee should consider the cases of eligible Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe employees who have furnished option along with other eligible employees for appointment to the post of Postmaster Grade-I, Grade-II and Grade-III. It may also be ensured that a fair proportion of such posts are filled by employees belonging to Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribes, subject. of course, to availability from the feeder categories of qualified persons belonging to these communities.

16

It is presumed that DPC is to be conducted for filling up all the posts earmarked for Postmaster Grade-I, II, III and Senior Postmaster and only after filling up all the posts, option is to be obtained from the incumbents to come over the Postmaster Grades. A situation may arise that sufficient number of officials in the General line LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I and PS Group B are not willing to be posted against the identified/earmarked posts in Postmaster Grades, resulting in surplus LSG/HSG II/ HSG.I and PS Group B vis a vis sanctioned strength in these cadres.

Para 6, 7 and 8 of Directorate’s letter of even number, dated 22.11.2010 and clarification No. 4 may be referred to.

17

As per provision in the relevant Recruitment Rules, promotion to Postmaster Grade-II and Postmaster III is to be give on rendering prescribed minimum period of service in Postmaster Grade I and II on the bass of seniority cum fitness. It may kindly be confirmed as to whether a separate Gradation list needs to be maintained for the purpose of such promotion as done in the case of General line officials for promotion to LSG/HSG/II/HSG-I cadre.

After filling up the posts in Postmaster Grades in terms of Para 6,7 and 8 of Directorate’s letter of even number dated 22.11.2010, separate Gradation lists will have to be prepared for each grade of Postmaster.

18

The post in Postmaster cadre have been carved out from General line posts. It is presumed that the existing rules of reservation as per reservation roster are to be followed in case of promotion from Postmaster Grade-I, II and III to Postmaster Grade-II, III and Senior Postmaster respectively as is done in case of General line post.

The presumption is confirmed.

19

As per para 6 of the Directorate’s order No. 4-17/2008-SPB.II dated 22.11.2010 option are to be called for form the existing LSG/HSG-II/HSG-I officials for appointment as Postmaster Grade-I, II and III respectively. The time scheduled for such appointment process has also been detailed in para 9 but no such time scheduled has been prescribed for obtaining option for appointment as Senior Postmaster from offices holding PS Group B posts. It may be confirmed as to whether such option is required to be obtained at this stage or it is to be obtained subsequently.

Senior Postmaster is an All India cadre and to call for the option to fill up the posts, necessary action is being taken by the Staff Branch in the Directorate.

20

As per relevant Recruitment Rule, initially existing LSG/HSG.II/HSG.I officials may be appointed as Postmaster Grade-I II and III on the basis of their options and on the basis of seniority cum fitness recommended by the prescribed Screening Committee. The point of doubts is if it is seen that by such appointment as Postmaster Grade I, II and III, and official has also become eligible for promotion to Postmaster Grade-II, Grade III/Senior Postmaster cadre completing the prescribed period of service for promotion to higher cadre. Whether he may be promoted to the respective higher grade at this stage.

Para 8 of Directorate’s letter of even number, dated 22.11.2010 may be referred to.

21

If sufficient number of options are not received from respective cadres for appointments in the relevant Postmaster Grades, how the vacant posts in the Postmaster Grade are to be manned.

Clarification at S. No. 4 may be referred to.

22

If no officials are available for seeking option from the eligible officials in HSG.I cadre for filling up Postmaster Grade-III Posts, the course of action to fill up the posts of Postmaster Grade-II may be indicated.

Para 8 of Directorate’s letter of even number dated 22.11.2010 and clarification No. 4 may be referred to.

23

Whether and official belonging to LSG cadre selected for his promotion to HSG.II in Accounts line in Post Office is entitled to give his option for Postmaster cadre?

No. An official in LSG (A/cs) is not entitled to give his option for Postmaster cadre.

24

Eligibility of officials deputed to Army Postal Services for appearing for the Departmental examination in Postmaster Grade-I as per the Recruitment Rules and their subsequent status in case they qualify the said examination may be clarified.

In case and official deputed to Army Postal services (APS) gives his option to his respective Circle for appointment as Postmaster at the time of initial constitution of Postmaster cadre a declaration / undertaking may be obtained from him to the effect that in the event of his selection he will revert from deputation with APS in order to be appointed in the respective Postmaster Grades.

Unless he reports back to the Circle on his selection, he will not be appointed as Postmaster

Regarding Departmental Examination for the post of Postmaster Grade-I and Senior Postmaster, the eligible PostalAssistant and the Inspectors ofPosts , as the case may be, willhave to furnish declaration/undertaking at the time ofsubmission of applications forthe examination to the effectthat he is willing to revert fromthe deputation with APS in theevent of his selection for appointment to the post appliedfor.

25

There is no regular incumbent in HSG-I cadre who may be posted in Postmaster Grade-III Post Offices on receipt of options. Whether officiating Postmasters can be given officiating posting as Postmaster Grade-III?

Clarification 5 may be referred to.

26

Whether Post Offices of IPO line may be identified for Postmaster Grade-III or alternative Post Offices should be identified?

There is no objection to identity IPO line Post Offices to be designated as Postmaster Grade-III Post Offices if theysatisfy the conditions laid in Dte's letter No.13-2/2010-PE.I dated 25.11.2010 to be manned by Postmaster Grade-III as per the provisions contained in theRecruitment Rules

27

Whether HSG.II officials who have completed 3 years reqular servicemay be promoted to HSG.I on regular basis as per oldrecruitment rules so that their options can be considered Postmaster Grade-III.

No. In this regard, clarification at S.NO.10 and letter of evennumber dated 7/8 02.2011 may be referred to

28

What -Status will be observed for the incumbents already working as Postmaster in HOs & SOs on regular basis, other than those identified by Circles for new Postmaster cadre, In case they do not submit their options.

Such HOs and SOs would continue to be manned by General line officials subject to the transfer policy In existence

29

Who is the Appointing and Disciplinary Authority for Postmaster Grade-I, Grade-II, Grade-III and the Senior Postmaster?

Necessary instructions will be issues by the Vigilance Branch of the Directorate.

30

In filling up Posts of Postmaster Grade I, II, III and Senior Postmaster Under initial Constitution clause how the prescribed minimum years of regular service is to be reckoned with. Is it enough if the candidate fulfils the prescribed years eligibility as on the last date prescribed for submission of option/application?

The crucial date for assessing the elgibility of the applicants shall be the closing date for submission of application.